Trichomoniasis Health Article

Definition

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.

Alternative Names

Trichomonas vaginitis; Trich

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Trichomoniasis is found worldwide. In the United States, the highest number of cases are seen in women between age 16 and 35. Trichomonas vaginalis cannot survive in the mouth or rectum, and therefore must be transmitted through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact with an infected partner.

The disease can affect both men and women, but the symptoms differ between the two groups. The infection usually does not cause symptoms in men and goes away on its own in a few weeks. In some cases, a man might have burning, itching, or a discharge. Occasionally, some men with trichomoniasis may develop prostatitis or epididymitis from the infection.

Women with trichomoniasis have a itching and a heavy, foul-smelling, green-white or yellowish vaginal discharge.

Symptoms

Women:

• Discomfort with intercourse
• Vaginal itching
• Greenish-yellow, frothy or foamy, vaginal discharge with a foul or strong smell
• Labial swelling or vulvar itching
• Itching of the inner thighs

• Burning after urination or ejaculation
• Itching of urethra
• Slight discharge from urethra

Signs and tests

In women:

A pelvic examination reveals red blotches vaginal wall or cervix. A wet prep (microscopic examination of discharge) shows the infection-causing organisms in vaginal fluids. A pap smear may also detect the presence of the organism.

In men:

The disease can be hard to diagnose in men. Men are treated if the infection is diagnosed in any of their sexual partners. Men may also be treated if they have ongoing symptoms of urethral burning or itching despite treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Treatment

The antibiotic metronidazole is commonly used to cure the infection. You should not drink alcohol while taking the medicine and for 48 hours after the antibiotics are completed.Use of alcohol with metronidazole can cause severe nausea and vomiting. Avoid sexual intercourse until treatment has been completed.

Sexual partners should be treated at the same time, even if they have no symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis)

With proper treatment, the outcome is likely to be excellent.